An estimated 70% of Americans take a daily supplement to strengthen their bodies.
But we aren’t the only species that needs a healthy dose of daily vitamins. Pets need them too, which is why one-third of dogs and cats throughout America receive daily vitamins or supplements.
What are dog vitamins? Should I be giving my dog multivitamins? What are the best dog vitamins for dogs?
You have vitamin questions, and we have answers. Let’s dive in.
What Vitamins Does My Dog Need?
Essential vitamins for dogs include:
- Vitamin A
- B vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Choline
When dogs do not receive enough of these fundamental nutrients, their bodies will see the consequences.
Vitamin A for Dogs
Vitamin A plays an important role in immune and cell functions. It is responsible for good vision and growth. Female dogs require plenty of vitamin A to ensure healthy fetus development when carrying a litter. Dogs can get vitamin A from carrots, egg yolks, liver, fish oil, kale, and sweet potatoes.
B Vitamins for Dogs
B vitamins include a range of nutrients that work together to ensure a healthy dog. Examples of essential B vitamins for dogs include:
- Biotin
- Folate
- Niacin
- B-6
- B-12
- Riboflavin
Vitamin B deficiencies can cause hair loss, weight gain, motion sickness, excessive shedding, and anxiety. B vitamins come from fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.
Vitamin C for Dogs
Vitamin C is one of the most critical nutrients for dogs. It is an antioxidant that can help eliminate free radicals. Vitamin C helps manage healthy inflammatory pathways , making it one of the most important joint vitamins for dogs. Dogs get their daily doses of vitamin C from kelp, parsley, and alfalfa.
Vitamin D for Dogs
The “sunshine vitamin” restores mineral balance in a dog’s body. It aids in phosphorous and calcium absorption to support healthy bones and muscle growth. Top sources of vitamin D for dogs come from liver, fish, eggs, beef, and dairy.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E protects doggo’s cells from oxidative stress. It boosts the metabolism to promote healthy digestion. Without the proper amount of vitamin E, dogs can develop eye and muscle degenerative issues. Vitamin E for dogs comes naturally from leafy greens and natural oils like coconut, safflower, and hemp.
Vitamin K for Dogs
Vitamin K activates healthy blood clotting. Without it, dogs can deal with hemorrhaging. Natural sources of vitamin K stem from egg yolks, asparagus, and parsley.
Choline for Dogs
Choline is a nutrient that attaches to the phospholipid cell membrane to support brain and liver health. Choline comes from proteins, dairy, vegetables, and grains.
Does My Dog Need Vitamins?
Canines suffering from vitamin deficiencies need added supplements to ensure their bodies can function. Nutritional deficiencies can stem from:
- Poor commercial dog food
- Chronic stress
- Food allergies
- Genetics
- Disorders that cause malabsorption (particularly Colitis and Crohn’s disease)
Common signs of nutritional deficiencies in dogs include:
- Changes in feces color, consistency, or size
- Lethargic behavior and depression symptoms
- Skin irritations
- Hair loss
- Lack of energy (such as not wanting to play or go on a walk)
Low-quality dog food can cause nutritional deficiencies in dogs, but so can homemade dog food. A home-prepared diet may not include essential nutrients your doggo needs to function. If this is the case, add vitamin and mineral supplements to the dog food recipe. If you are unsure of the best dog vitamins to include, speak with a veterinarian.
Dogs who do not eat enough may need additional nutritional support. Some dogs are picky and refuse to eat. You may be feeding your pooch twice a day, but he may only be eating one of those meals. If this is the case, vitamins for dogs ensure your canine gets the proper amount of nutrients.
Is There Any Danger in Giving Dogs Vitamins?
There can be too much of a good thing when it comes to dog vitamins. If your dog is eating nutritious food and getting his daily dose of vitamins and minerals, adding a supplement can cause problems. According to the FDA, excess portions of specific nutrients can be harmful to a dog’s health.
For example, too much calcium in canines creates skeletal problems in large dog breeds. Over-consuming vitamin A can lead to dehydration and joint discomfort. Dogs who have abnormally high vitamin D levels can suffer from muscular issues and bone damage.
If your dog is not showing signs of nutritional deficiency, then do not force extra vitamins into his diet. If you are concerned, talk to your vet. A veterinarian can determine if your dog has nutritional deficiencies and the type of vitamins you should add to his diet.
All-Natural Dog Vitamins for Healthy Canines
From joint supplements to senior dog vitamins, canines need fundamental minerals to ensure a long and healthy life. If your dog lacks essential nutrients, Pet Honesty can help.
We provide an extensive collection of dog vitamins for canines of all shapes and sizes. Pet Honesty’s Advanced Multivitamins are one of our top sellers. These tasty chews promote healthier skin, joint flexibility, energy, and heart health. The chews are packed with minerals, omegas, and probiotics designs to keep joints healthy and mobile.
Our Advanced Multivitamins are soft chews that taste like treats, making it easy to give Fido one every day.
Sources:
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dog-vitamins-and-supplements#1
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/vitamins-dogs-need-healthy-lifestyle/
